Page:Abbot's Guide to Ottawa.djvu/23

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evidenced by the successes of its pupils, among which may be mentioned the winning, for two years in succession, of the Earl Grey Musical Trophy. The institution is non-sectarian, and students of cither sex and of all ages can obtain instruction in any branch of music. The Conservatory Orchestra—under Mr. Donald Heins—is one of the best organizations of the kind in Canada. Symphony concerts and recitals are given from time to time. The musical director of the Conservatory is Mr. H. Puddicombe.


DRIVEWAY.

The Ottawa Improvement Commission was created by the Dominion Government in 1899, with power to purchase and hold property for parks, squares, areas, driveways and thoroughfares, and an annual appropriation was authorized. The Commission consisits of the Mayor and 7 members. The work is being continued yearly. At present the Driveway extends from the Experimental Farm to Cartier Square, via the bank of the Rideau Canal. Another division commences at the gates of Government House, runs through Rockcliffe Park, and along the Ottawa river to the Rifle Range. Some 30,000 trees and shrubs have been planted, and boulevards, shady iparks, miniature lakes and arbours make the Driveway the finest and longest in Canada.

EARNSCLIFFE.

Situated on a commanding position on the top of the bluff overlooking the Ottawa river, about half a mile below the Alexandra bridge, this picturesque house was chosen by the late Sir John A. Macdonald (see p. 22) as his residence, and here he died. His widow takes from it her title "Baroness Macdonald of Earnscliffe." It is now owned by Dr. Chas. A. E. Harriss, the well-known musical composer. The room where Canada's great citizen lived and worked is still kept as he occupied it.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

There are, in Canada, thirteen Experimental Farms of the Dominion Government, of which the Central Experimental Farm is situated 3 miles south west of the Parliament Buildings, and easy of access by the Somerset st. cars (Maltese cross and red and white light) which run every ten minutes in summer and every twenty minutes in winter. A visit should not be omitted. The farm, which covers 467 acres of ground is for the purpose of experiments in all branches of agriculture, horticulture, and arboriculture. Every known variety of Canadian tree, shrub and plant will be found. Here are tested soils, fertilizers, and the vitality of seeds. The whole work is of incalculable benefit to agricultural interests. The ornamental grounds are made very attractive by beds of flowers and masses of flowering shrubs and beautiful trees, which are well worth seeing during the summer. Among other items of interest to visitors are the cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. The

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